Andrew Cook

Andrew Cook is the chairman of engineering firm William Cook.[1] Cook describes himself as "the largest donor to the Conservative Party in Yorkshire".[2]

Cook is a member of The Leader's Group, the premier Conservative Party supporter group. Through an annual membership fee of £50,000 donors are able to secure access to leading members of the party.

Lobbying

Andrew Cook lobbied the government by writing to MP Mark Prisk on 25th May 2010 to argue that a proposed £80 million loan to the firm Sheffield Forgemasters should be cancelled. Labour MP Clive Betts argued that there were several letters submitted to the consultation over the loan but the only letters arguing against the loan came from Andrew Cook.[3] Cook wrote to Mark Prisk again on the 9th June arguing that the loan would be "in breach of EU State Aid Regulations".[4]

The loan was cancelled by the government on the 17th June. Mark Prisk argued that "The department did receive an email from Mr Cook's company and whilst it was noted like every other representation, it had no bearing on the decision-making process."[5]